Podcast
The FAR and Beyond
Hosted by The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School · EN
Hosted and produced by the Contract & Fiscal Law Department at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS). This podcast will take you on an illuminating journey through the intricate world of federal acquisition and procurement laws that fuel the Department of Defense and the American warfighter. We will bring you expert insights, in-depth interviews and engaging discussions to help you understand and excel in the realm of government contract and fiscal law.
25episodes
Episodes
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The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 45: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 12: Simplifying Simplified Acquisitions
3w ago00:14:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we analyze the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul FAR Part 12, which streamlines commercial acquisitions by reorganizing the part into lifecycle-based subparts and cutting approximately 30% of associated provisions and clauses. The discussion explores key updates such as the inclusion of construction as a commercial service, a new emphasis on mandatory priority sources, and the shift from a rigid "late is late" rule to a "good business judgment" standard for late offers. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 44: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 10 & 11: Research and Planning
3w ago00:07:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we examine how the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) replaces rigid market research checklists with professional judgment and modular acquisition strategies designed to reduce risk. The discussion highlights the shift toward outcome-based contracting and new DFARS requirements for documenting research efforts, such as analyzing capabilities and determining if tiered evaluations are appropriate. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 43: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: DFARS 227: Intellectual Property in the DoW
Jul 100:06:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we analyze the comprehensive restructuring of DFARS Part 227, which organizes intellectual property into commercial and non-commercial "hemispheres" and introduces a new unified "super clause" for technical data and software. The episode also highlights critical substantive updates, including the extension of the validation timeline to six years and a new strategic emphasis on resolving validity questions prior to award. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 42: Warfighting Acquisition Strategy: The Rise of the Portfolio Acquisition Executives
Jun 2400:15:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, discuss the Department of War's transition from traditional, siloed acquisition systems to an agile, portfolio-centric model designed to keep pace with modern warfare. They explore the groundbreaking role of the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) established in the FY26 NDAA, which integrates requirements, budgeting, and execution into a single node to provide the speed and flexibility needed on the battlefield. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 41: FY2026 NDAA Rundown
Jun 1700:11:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dissect the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, focusing on how the Speed and Forge Acts are driving a massive legislative pivot toward streamlined defense acquisition reform. We explore critical updates including the new statutory definition of "best value," significant threshold increases for mandatory cost data and Cost Accounting Standards, and the strategic push to eliminate supply chain reliance on covered nations. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 40: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 33: Protests
Jun 1000:07:16Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we analyze the chronological restructuring of FAR Part 33 and the new addition of a "designated purpose" for the bid protest system intended to deter improper filings. We dive into substantive updates to agency-level protests, including the mandatory disclosure of redacted Source Selection Decision documents (SSDD) to protesters and the streamlined approval levels for overrides of regulatory stays. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 39: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 15: Negotiations, not Discussions
Jun 300:10:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we explore the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) of FAR Part 15, highlighting the transition from traditional discussions to a more robust negotiation framework. We break down innovative evaluation methods like Highest Technically Rated with a Fair and Reasonable Price and phased acquisitions. Additionally, the discussion covers the expanded role of clarifications, the simplified definition of deficiencies, and the increased discretion granted to contracting officers when identifying the offers best suited for the competitive range. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 38: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 49: Terminations
May 2700:09:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we discuss the streamlining of FAR Part 49 under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), which reduced the administrative "fluff" while keeping all existing legal termination clauses intact. Additionally, we analyze the substantive updates to FAR Part 12 concerning terminations for cause. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 37: The Limits of Authority: Unpacking the 40-Year Saga of Pratt & Whitney
May 2000:21:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Mr. Adam Caudle and Miss Dana Chase to dissect the 39-year litigation in Secretary of Defense v. Pratt & Whitney. We analyze the Federal Circuit's 2025 decision, which reaffirmed that a contracting officer’s authority is not unlimited and that agreements violating mandatory FAR provisions are considered illegal and unenforceable. The discussion highlights the critical takeaway that while the revolutionary FAR overhaul encourages broader professional judgment, practitioners must still remain within the four corners of the FAR to ensure their agreements remain valid. Cases discussed: United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, ASBCA Nos. 47416, 50453, 50888, 01-2 BCA ¶ 31,592; Rumsfeld v. United Technologies Corp., 315 F.3d 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2003); United Technologies Corp., Pratt & Whitney, ASBCA No. 61623, 22-1 BCA ¶ 38,111; Secretary of Defense v. Pratt & Whitney, 148 F.4th 1354 (Fed. Cir. 2025). Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
Transcribe →The FAR and Beyond | Beyond Episode 36: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: FAR Part 5: Tables over Text
May 1300:08:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we discuss the streamlining of FAR Part 5 under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), which reorganizes the section into a chronological life cycle approach consisting of three main phases: pre-solicitation, solicitation, and award. We explore major updates including the retirement of the term "synopsis" in favor of "notice," the implementation of four user-friendly tables to clarify posting timeframes, and deleting outdated subparts. Learn more about The Quill & Sword series of podcasts by visiting our podcast page at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/thequillandsword. The Quill & Sword show includes featured episodes from across the JAGC, plus all episodes from our four separate shows: “Criminal Law Department Presents” (Criminal Law Department), “NSL Unscripted” (National Security Law Department), “The FAR and Beyond” (Contract & Fiscal Law Department) and “Hold My Reg” (Administrative & Civil Law Department). Connect with The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School by visiting our website at https://tjaglcs.army.mil/.
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